The Duchess of Cambridge visited Hampton Court's recently unveiled Magic Garden to mark the official opening of the Palace's new children's play area.

Designed by RHS Chelsea award-winning landscape architect Robert Myers, the Magic Garden draws inspiration from the myths and legends of the Tudor Court, and offers families a new and unique way to explore Hampton Court’s past. Set within King Henry VIII’s former Tiltyard, the play area comprises battlements, towers, a secret grotto, and a number of mythical beasts for children to enjoy, including a 25ft long sleeping dragon.

The Magic Garden has been six years in the making, and begins an exciting new chapter in the Palace’s 500 year history. The Historic Royal Palaces’ gardens team have grown and
tended to hundreds of trees and plants to create the garden’s magical landscape, planting over 17,000 bulbs and 3,000 shrubs in the garden.

The Duchess was taken on a tour around the new play area, and was shown some of its unique design features.

Along the way, Her Royal Highness met those involved in the Magic Garden's design and construction, as well as children and families enjoying the new facilities.